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Title:
Effect of low-carbohydrate diets on cardiometabolic risk, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome
Authors:
O’Neill, Blair J.
Abstract:
Purpose of review An obesity epidemic has resulted in increasing prevalence of insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The Diet-Heart Hypothesis posited that dietary fat is the culprit. Yet dietary fat reduction has contributed to the problem, not resolved it. The role of hyperinsulinemia, the genesis of its atherogenic dyslipidemia and systemic inflammation in CVD and its reversal is reviewed. Recent findings Overnutrition leads to weight gain and carbohydrate intolerance creating a vicious cycle of insulin resistance/hyperinsulinemia inhibiting fat utilization and encouraging fat storage leading to an atherogenic dyslipidemia characterized by hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL, and small dense LDL. The carbohydrate-insulin model better accounts for the pathogenesis of obesity, MetS, and ultimately type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and CVD. Ketogenic Diets reduce visceral obesity, increase insulin sensitivity, reverse the atherogenic dyslipidemia and the inflammatory biomarkers of overnutrition. Recent trials show very high adherence to ketogenic diet for up to 2 years in individuals with T2DM, reversing their metabolic, inflammatory and dysglycemic biomarkers as well as the 10-year estimated atherosclerotic risk. Diabetes reversal occurred in over 50% and complete remission in nearly 8%. Summary Therapeutic carbohydrate-restricted can prevent or reverse the components of MetS and T2DM.
Published:
August 10, 2020
Title:
A ketogenic diet elicits anti-tumor properties through inducing oxidative stress, inhibiting MMP-9 expression and rebalancing M1/M2 tumor-associated macrophages phenotype in a mouse model of colon cancer
Authors:
Zhang, Ning; Liu, Chunhong; Jin, Li; Zhang, Ruiyan; Wang, Ting; Wang, Qingpeng; Chen, Jingchao; Yang, Fang; Siebert, Hans-Christian; Zheng, Xuexing
Abstract:
Abstract Many advanced cancers are characterized by metabolic disorders. A dietary therapeutic strategy was proposed to inhibit tumor growth through administration of low-carbohydrate, average-protein and high-fat diet, which is also known as ketogenic diet (KD). In vivo antitumor efficacy of KD on transplanted CT26+ tumor cells in BALB/c mice was investigated. The results showed that the KD group had significantly higher blood β-hydroxybutyrate and lower blood glucose levels when compared with the normal diet group. Meanwhile, KD increased intratumor oxidative stress, and the TUNEL staining showed that KD induced apoptosis against tumor cells. Interestingly, the distribution of CD16/32+ and iNOS+ M1 tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) increased in KD-treated group, with concomitant less arginase-1+ M2 TAMs. Moreover, KD treatment down-regulated the protein expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in CT26+ tumor-bearing mice. Western blot analysis demonstrated that the expression levels of HDAC3/PKM2/NF-κB 65/p-Stat3 proteins were reduced in KD-treated group. Taken together, our results indicated that KD can prevent the progression of colon tumor via inducing intratumor oxidative stress, inhibiting the expression of the MMP-9, and enhancing M2 to M1 TAMs polarization. A novel potential mechanism was identified that KD can prevent the progression of colon cancer by regulating the expression of HDAC3/PKM2/NF-κB65/p-Stat3 axis.
Published:
August 9, 2020
Title:
Effect of low-carbohydrate diets on cardiometabolic risk, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome
Authors:
O’Neill, Blair J.
Abstract:
Purpose of review An obesity epidemic has resulted in increasing prevalence of insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The Diet-Heart Hypothesis posited that dietary fat is the culprit. Yet dietary fat reduction has contributed to the problem, not resolved it. The role of hyperinsulinemia, the genesis of its atherogenic dyslipidemia and systemic inflammation in CVD and its reversal is reviewed. Recent findings Overnutrition leads to weight gain and carbohydrate intolerance creating a vicious cycle of insulin resistance/hyperinsulinemia inhibiting fat utilization and encouraging fat storage leading to an atherogenic dyslipidemia characterized by hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL, and small dense LDL. The carbohydrate-insulin model better accounts for the pathogenesis of obesity, MetS, and ultimately type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and CVD. Ketogenic Diets reduce visceral obesity, increase insulin sensitivity, reverse the atherogenic dyslipidemia and the inflammatory biomarkers of overnutrition. Recent trials show very high adherence to ketogenic diet for up to 2 years in individuals with T2DM, reversing their metabolic, inflammatory and dysglycemic biomarkers as well as the 10-year estimated atherosclerotic risk. Diabetes reversal occurred in over 50% and complete remission in nearly 8%. Summary Therapeutic carbohydrate-restricted can prevent or reverse the components of MetS and T2DM.
Published:
August 6, 2020
Title:
Ketogenic diet as a metabolic treatment for mental illness
Authors:
Norwitz, Nicholas G.; Dalai, Shebani Sethi; Palmer, Christopher M.
Abstract:
Purpose of review Ketogenic diets, which have been used to treat drug-refractory paediatric epilepsy for over 100 years, are becoming increasingly popular for the treatment of other neurological conditions, including mental illnesses. We aim to explain how ketogenic diets can improve mental illness biopathology and review the recent clinical literature. Recent findings Psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder and binge eating disorder, are neurometabolic diseases that share several common mechanistic biopathologies. These include glucose hypometabolism, neurotransmitter imbalances, oxidative stress and inflammation. There is strong evidence that ketogenic diets can address these four fundamental diseases, and now complementary clinical evidence that ketogenic diets can improve the patients’ symptoms. Summary It is important that researchers and clinicians are made aware of the trajectory of the evidence for the implementation of ketogenic diets in mental illnesses, as such a metabolic intervention provides not only a novel form of symptomatic treatment, but one that may be able to directly address the underlying disease mechanisms and, in so doing, also treat burdensome comorbidities (see Video, Supplementary Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/COE/A16, which summarizes the contents of this review).
Published:
August 6, 2020
Title:
Low carbohydrate diet: are concerns with saturated fat, lipids, and cardiovascular disease risk justified?
Authors:
Diamond, David M.; O’Neill, Blair J.; Volek, Jeff S.
Abstract:
Purpose of review There is an extensive literature on the efficacy of the low carbohydrate diet (LCD) for weight loss, and in the improvement of markers of the insulin-resistant phenotype, including a reduction in inflammation, atherogenic dyslipidemia, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. However, critics have expressed concerns that the LCD promotes unrestricted consumption of saturated fat, which may increase low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) levels. In theory, the diet-induced increase in LDL-C increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The present review provides an assessment of concerns with the LCD, which have focused almost entirely on LDL-C, a poor marker of CVD risk. We discuss how critics of the LCD have ignored the literature demonstrating that the LCD improves the most reliable CVD risk factors. Recent findings Multiple longitudinal clinical trials in recent years have extended the duration of observations on the safety and effectiveness of the LCD to 2–3 years, and in one study on epileptics, for 10 years. Summary The present review integrates a historical perspective on the LCD with a critical assessment of the persistent concerns that consumption of saturated fat, in the context of an LCD, will increase risk for CVD.
Published:
August 6, 2020
Title:
Low carbohydrate ketogenic therapy as a metabolic treatment for binge eating and ultraprocessed food addiction
Authors:
Sethi Dalai, Shebani; Sinha, Anika; Gearhardt, Ashley N.
Abstract:
Purpose of review The aim of this study was to highlight the recent advancements and future directions for potential use of a low carbohydrate ketogenic dietary approach to treat binge eating and ultraprocessed food addiction. Herein, we explore proposed mechanisms of why a diet low in refined carbohydrates, processed sugar and higher fat content may be helpful in alleviating symptoms. Recent findings Emerging evidence suggests there may be a metabolic role in development of maladaptive eating. These findings broaden our understanding of eating psychopathology causes. Ultraprocessed, refined or high glycemic index carbohydrates are a possible trigger mediating neurochemical responses similar to addiction. The carbohydrate-insulin model of obesity supports observations of these foods triggering abnormal blood sugar and insulin spikes subsequently leading to changes in metabolic and neurobiological signaling. This results in overeating symptoms and hunger exacerbation, which differs from observed effects of healthy fat consumption and lack of similar insulin spikes. As supported in recent case series, significantly reducing or abstaining from these addictive-like ultraprocessed foods and highly refined carbohydrates could be considered a treatment approach. Summary The current review highlights recent and pertinent evidence with respect to theoretical and practical application of low carbohydrate ketogenic therapeutic approaches for ultraprocessed food addiction and binge eating symptoms (see supplemental video).
Published:
August 6, 2020
Title:
The potential of a ketogenic diet to minimize effects of the metabolic fault in glycogen storage disease V and VII
Authors:
Reason, Stacey L.; Godfrey, Richard J.
Abstract:
Purpose of review To explore the potential of a low carbohydrate ketogenic diet (LCKD) to counter physical activity intolerance, pain and muscle damage for glycogen storage disease (GSD) V and VII, and highlight the realistic possibility that nutrition could be key. Recent findings Carbohydrate (CHO) ingestion during physical activity in GSDV and a LCKD for GSDVII is common. For the latter, a long-term study demonstrated improvement in physiological markers while on a LCKD. This included improvement in aerobic power and activity tolerance. In GSDV, preliminary research on a LCKD suggest a diet of 75% fat, 15% protein, 10% CHO, is best for improved function and compliance. Ketones provide immediate fuel for acute physical activity, and have an epigenetic role, improving ketone and lipid use. Evidence from elite athletes found a LCKD can increase fat oxidation and is optimal at 70% VO2max. This suggests the need to also improve conditioning via exercise to maximize the benefit of a LCKD. Summary A high CHO diet in GSDV and VII comes with a restricted physical activity capacity alongside significant pain, muscle damage and risk of renal failure. Mounting evidence suggests a LCKD is efficacious for both disorders providing an immediate fuel source which may negate the need for a ‘warm-up’ prior to every activity and restore ‘normal’ function.
Published:
August 6, 2020
Title:
Using a low-carbohydrate diet to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors:
Westman, Eric C.; Yancy, William S. Jr
Abstract:
Purpose of review This study will provide a narrative review of the history of the clinical use of low-carbohydrate diets and give a practical example of how to implement a low-carbohydrate diet, with an emphasis on deprescribing medications. Recent findings Low-carbohydrate diets have been used since the late 19th century to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Recently, clinical research has validated the use of low-carbohydrate diets for individuals affected by obesity and T2DM, and these diets are included in several national clinical guidelines. Because medications are commonly used to treat hypertension and T2DM, special consideration must be made to monitor and reduce these medications to avoid overmedication. Clinic visits and home monitoring of blood pressure and glucose levels are important tools to alert clinicians that a reduction in medication levels may be indicated. Summary Low-carbohydrate diets have been utilized clinically for many years to treat obesity and T2DM and can be used alongside effective monitoring to safely deprescribe dispensable medications for these diseases.
Published:
August 6, 2020
Title:
Hit or miss: the new cholesterol targets
Authors:
DuBroff, Robert; Malhotra, Aseem; de Lorgeril, Michel
Abstract:
Drug treatment to reduce cholesterol to new target levels is now recommended in four moderateto high-risk patient populations: patients who have already sustained a cardiovascular event, adult diabetic patients, individuals with low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels ≥190 mg/ dL and individuals with an estimated 10-year cardiovascular risk ≥7.5%. Achieving these cholesterol target levels did not confer any additional benefit in a systematic review of 35 randomised controlled trials. Recommending cholesterol lowering treatment based on estimated cardiovascular risk fails to identify many high-risk patients and may lead to unnecessary treatment of low-risk individuals. The negative results of numerous cholesterol lowering randomised controlled trials call into question the validity of using low density lipoprotein cholesterol as a surrogate target for the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Published:
August 3, 2020
Title:
The Place of Meat in Dietary Policy: An Exploration of the Animal/Plant Divide
Authors:
Hite, Adele H.; Leroy, Frédéric
Abstract:
The virtues of “plant-based” eating are commonly extolled in public and academic discourse, in particular in postindustrial countries and exceedingly so on a global level. Animal source foods, on the other hand, are regularly stigmatized for their alleged link with disease, environmental deterioration, and animal abuse. Although there is a reasonable case for the improvement of animal agriculture, this discourse leads to a binary and counterproductive view of food systems: plants are largely seen as beneficial and animal source foods as intrinsically harmful. We argue that this animal/plant binary and the promotion of civic responsibility to accept it as such are cultural constructs that emerged in the Anglosphere during the 19th century. The divide has been continuously evolving since and is currently deepening due to a global sense of urgency, underpinned by various societal anxieties and normative responses. A symptomatic example is provided by the recent call for a Planetary Health Diet and a Great Food Transformation by the EAT-Lancet Commission and its wider network.
Published:
July 31, 2020
Title:
SGLT2 Inhibition Mediates Protection from Diabetic Kidney Disease by Promoting Ketone Body-Induced mTORC1 Inhibition
Authors:
Tomita, Issei; Kume, Shinji; Sugahara, Sho; Osawa, Norihisa; Yamahara, Kosuke; Yasuda-Yamahara, Mako; Takeda, Naoko; Chin-Kanasaki, Masami; Kaneko, Tatsuroh; Mayoux, Eric; Mark, Michael; Yanagita, Motoko; Ogita, Hisakazu; Araki, Shin-ichi; Maegawa, Hiroshi
Abstract:
Published:
July 28, 2020
Title:
Reversal of severe hypertriglyceridemia with intermittent fasting and a very-low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet: a case series
Authors:
Das, Subrat; McCreary, Jordan; Shamim, Shariq; Kalayjian, Tro
Abstract:
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To illustrate successful reversal of hypertriglyceridemia using a very-low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet in conjunction with intermittent fasting in two patients. RECENT FINDINGS: Hypertriglyceridemia remains an important component of residual risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Current guidelines from the AHA/ACC recommend the initiation of a very-low-fat diet to treat persistently elevated triglycerides, whereas the National Lipid Association argues that a very-low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet is contraindicated in severe hypertriglyceridemia. In contrast, we report resolution of two cases of severe hypertriglyceridemia with implementation of very-low-carbohydrate ketogenic diets and intermittent fasting. SUMMARY: Here, we describe two patients who have demonstrated substantial reductions in serum triglycerides, effectively reversing severe hypertriglyceridemia using unconventional dietary methods. Although anecdotal, these cases point to a critical lack of flexibility in current dietary guidelines that hinder their application in clinical practice.
Published:
July 27, 2020
Title:
Reversal of severe hypertriglyceridemia with intermittent fasting and a very-low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet: a case series
Authors:
Das, Subrat; McCreary, Jordan; Shamim, Shariq; Kalayjian, Tro
Abstract:
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To illustrate successful reversal of hypertriglyceridemia using a very-low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet in conjunction with intermittent fasting in two patients. RECENT FINDINGS: Hypertriglyceridemia remains an important component of residual risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Current guidelines from the AHA/ACC recommend the initiation of a very-low-fat diet to treat persistently elevated triglycerides, whereas the National Lipid Association argues that a very-low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet is contraindicated in severe hypertriglyceridemia. In contrast, we report resolution of two cases of severe hypertriglyceridemia with implementation of very-low-carbohydrate ketogenic diets and intermittent fasting. SUMMARY: Here, we describe two patients who have demonstrated substantial reductions in serum triglycerides, effectively reversing severe hypertriglyceridemia using unconventional dietary methods. Although anecdotal, these cases point to a critical lack of flexibility in current dietary guidelines that hinder their application in clinical practice.
Published:
July 27, 2020
Title:
High-Fat Diet and Antibiotics Cooperatively Impair Mitochondrial Bioenergetics to Trigger Dysbiosis that Exacerbates Pre-inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors:
Lee, Jee-Yon; Cevallos, Stephanie A.; Byndloss, Mariana X.; Tiffany, Connor R.; Olsan, Erin E.; Butler, Brian P.; Young, Briana M.; Rogers, Andrew W. L.; Nguyen, Henry; Kim, Kyongchol; Choi, Sang-Woon; Bae, Eunsoo; Lee, Je Hee; Min, Ui-Gi; Lee, Duk-Chul; Bäumler, Andreas J.
Abstract:
The clinical spectra of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) intersect to form a scantily defined overlap syndrome, termed pre-IBD. We show that increased Enterobacteriaceae and reduced Clostridia abundance distinguish the fecal microbiota of pre-IBD patients from IBS patients. A history of antibiotics in individuals consuming a high-fat diet was associated with the greatest risk for pre-IBD. Exposing mice to these risk factors resulted in conditions resembling pre-IBD and impaired mitochondrial bioenergetics in the colonic epithelium, which triggered dysbiosis. Restoring mitochondrial bioenergetics in the colonic epithelium with 5-amino salicylic acid, a PPAR-γ (peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor gamma) agonist that stimulates mitochondrial activity, ameliorated pre-IBD symptoms. As with patients, mice with pre-IBD exhibited notable expansions of Enterobacteriaceae that exacerbated low-grade mucosal inflammation, suggesting that remediating dysbiosis can alleviate inflammation. Thus, environmental risk factors cooperate to impair epithelial mitochondrial bioenergetics, thereby triggering microbiota disruptions that exacerbate inflammation and distinguish pre-IBD from IBS.
Published:
July 14, 2020
Title:
Traditional nutrition of Indigenous Peoples in the Arctic zone of Western Siberia
Authors:
Bogdanova, Elena; Lobanov, Andrey; Andronov, Sergei; Popov, Andrei; Kochkin, Ruslan; Morell, Ildikó
Abstract:
Published:
July 13, 2020
Title:
Association between Triglycerides and Residual Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Established Cardiovascular Disease (From the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes [BARI 2D] trial)
Authors:
Nelson, Adam J.; Navar, Ann Marie; Mulder, Hillary; Wojdyla, Daniel; Philip, Sephy; Granowitz, Craig; Peterson, Eric D.; Pagidipati, Neha J.
Abstract:
ABSTRACT
Triglyceride (TG) levels encompass several lipoproteins that have been implicated in atherogenic pathways. Whether TG levels independently associate with cardiovascular disease both overall and, in particular among patients with established coronary artery disease (CAD) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM), remains controversial. Data from the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes (BARI 2D) trial was used to evaluate patients with T2DM and CAD. Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the association between TG levels and outcomes. Stepwise adjustment was performed for demographics, clinical factors, lipid profile and statin treatment. The primary composite outcome was time to CV death, myocardial infarction (MI), or stroke and secondary outcome was CV death. Among 2,307 patients with T2DM and CAD, the mean (±SD) TG levels were 181 (±136) with a median (Q1-Q3) 148mg/dL (104-219). Overall, 51% of patients had TG <150mg/dL, 18% 150-199mg/dL, 28% 200-499mg/dL and 3% ≥500mg/dL. Participants with elevated TG levels (≥150mg/dL) were younger (61 vs. 63 years, p<0.001), had higher BMI (32 vs. 30kg/m2, p<0.001), more likely to have had prior MI (34.2 vs 30.1%, p=0.033) and revascularization (25.8 vs 21.4%, p=0.013), had lower HDL-C (34 vs. 39mg/dL, p<0.001) and higher HbA1c (8 vs 7%, p<0.001). In unadjusted analyses, baseline TG levels were linearly associated with both the primary composite and secondary outcomes. In fully adjusted analyses, every 50mg/dL increase in TG level was associated with a 3.8% (HR 1.038, 95%CI 1.004-1.072, p<0.001) increase in the primary composite outcome and a 6.4% (HR 1.064 95%CI 1.018-1.113, p<0.001) increase in the secondary outcome. There was no interaction between TG and outcomes within key subgroups including female sex, additional non-coronary atherosclerotic disease, CKD or low LDL (<100mg/dL). In conclusion, among patients with T2DM and CAD, elevated TG were independently associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, even after adjustment for clinical and simple biochemical covariates.
Published:
July 11, 2020
Title:
Impact of a Ketogenic Diet on Metabolic Parameters in Patients with Obesity or Overweight and with or without Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors:
Choi, Yeo Jin; Jeon, Sang-Min; Shin, Sooyoung
Abstract:
The aim of this meta-analysis was to explore the efficacy of a ketogenic diet in metabolic control in patients with overweight or obesity and with or without type 2 diabetes. Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials that enrolled patients with overweight or obesity on a ketogenic diet for metabolic control. Fourteen studies were included in meta-analysis. The effects of ketogenic diets on glycemic control were greater for diabetic patients relative to those of low-fat diets, indicated by lower glycated hemoglobin (SMD, −0.62; p
Published:
July 6, 2020
Title:
Great apes and humans evolved from a long-backed ancestor
Authors:
Machnicki, Allison L.; Reno, Philip L.
Abstract:
There is current debate whether the Homo/Pan last common ancestor (LCA) had a short, stiff lumbar column like great apes or a longer, flexible column observed in generalized Miocene hominoids. Beyond having only four segments, three additional features contribute to lumbar stiffening: the position of the transitional vertebra (TV), orientation of the lumbar spinous processes, and entrapment of lumbar vertebrae between the iliac blades. For great apes, these features would be homologous if inherited from a short-backed LCA but likely functionally convergent through dissimilar phenotypes if evolved from a long-backed LCA. We quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed human, ape, and monkey thoracic and lumbar vertebrae using 3D surface scanning and osteological measurements to compare spinous process morphology and sacral depth. We also used a large sample of hominoid vertebral counts to assess variation in the position of the TV and lumbosacral boundary. All extant hominoids modally place the TV at the ultimate thoracic. However, humans and orangutans place the TV at the 19th postcranial vertebral segment, whereas other apes place the TV at the 20th. Furthermore, chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans each have distinct patterns of spinous process angulation and morphology associated with lumbar stiffening, while human spinous process morphology is similar to that of longer backed gibbons, monkeys, and Miocene hominoids Morotopithecus and Pierolapithecus. Finally, chimpanzees are unique compared with other hominoids with a greater sacral depth facilitating lumbar entrapment, and there are differences among African apes with respect to the mechanisms governing variation in the lumbosacral boundary. These differences suggest that lumbar stiffening is convergent among great apes and that human bipedalism evolved from a more generalized long-backed ancestor. Such a model is more consistent with evidence of TV placement in Australopithecus.
Published:
July 1, 2020
Title:
Quantitative shape analysis of the deltoid tuberosity of modern humans (Homo sapiens) and common chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
Authors:
Gómez, Mónica; Casado, Aroa; De Diego, Marina; Arias-Martorell, Júlia; Pastor, Juan Francisco; Potau, Josep Maria
Abstract:
Purpose To identify anatomical differences in the deltoid tuberosity of Homo sapiens and Pan troglodytes, potentially relating to the different uses of the forelimb in these two phylogenetically related species. Basic procedures We have used three-dimensional geometric morphometrics (3D GM) to analyze the deltoid tuberosity of scanned humeri from 30 H. sapiens and 27 P. troglodytes. We also used the 3D scans of the humeri to calculate the surface area of the deltoid tuberosity. Finally, we dissected the deltoid muscles of three H. sapiens and three P. troglodytes to determine the relative mass and the physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA) of each part of the muscle. Main findings The 3D GM analysis of the deltoid tuberosity identified an anteroposterior enlargement of the P. troglodytes tuberosity, with a lateral displacement of the middle segment, whereas in H. sapiens, there was a distal displacement of the middle segment. Muscle architecture analysis indicated higher normalized values of the PCSA of the clavicular and acromial deltoid in P. troglodytes. Principal conclusions The anatomical features observed in our P. troglodytes specimens serve to strengthen the three parts of the deltoid muscle. This fact can be related to the use of the forelimb in locomotion, both arboreal and knuckle-walking, in this species. Humans use the forelimb mainly in manipulative tasks, so they do not develop – as do chimpanzees – the anatomical features that increase the deltoid force. Our findings have shown that the different uses of the forelimb in modern humans and common chimpanzees can affect both muscle architecture and bone morphology, either jointly or separately.
Published:
July 1, 2020
Title:
The morphological affinity of the Early Pleistocene footprints from Happisburgh, England, with other footprints of Pliocene, Pleistocene, and Holocene age
Authors:
Wiseman, Ashleigh L. A.; Stringer, Chris B.; Ashton, Nick; Bennett, Matthew R.; Hatala, Kevin G.; Duffy, Sarah; O'Brien, Thomas; De Groote, Isabelle
Abstract:
Fossil hominin footprints provide a direct source of evidence of locomotor behavior and allow inference of other biological data such as anthropometrics. Many recent comparative analyses of hominin footprints have used 3D analytical methods to assess their morphological affinities, comparing tracks from different locations and/or time periods. However, environmental conditions can sometimes preclude 3D digital capture, as was the case at Happisburgh (England) in 2013. Consequently, we use here a 2D geometric morphometric approach to investigate the evolutionary context of the Happisburgh tracks. The comparative sample of hominin tracks comes from eight localities that span a broad temporal range from the Pliocene to Late Holocene. The results show disparity in the shapes of tracks ascribed to hominins from the Pliocene (presumably Australopithecus afarensis), Pleistocene (presumably Homo erectus and Homo antecessor), and Holocene (Homo sapiens). Three distinct morphological differences are apparent between time samples: changes in adduction of the hallux, changes in the shape and position of the medial longitudinal arch impression, and apparent changes in foot proportions. Linear dimensions classified the potential H. antecessor tracks from Happisburgh as being most similar to the presumed H. erectus prints from Ileret. We demonstrate using 2D geometric morphometric methods and linear dimensions that the Happisburgh tracks are morphologically similar to other presumed Homo tracks and differ from the Laetoli footprints. The probable functional implications of these results fit well with previous comparative analyses of hominin tracks at other sites.
Published:
July 1, 2020
Title:
Post-glacial hunter-gatherer subsistence patterns in Britain: dietary reconstruction using FRUITS
Authors:
Pickard, Catriona; Bonsall, Clive
Abstract:
The diets of 85 individuals from 21 sites were modelled using FRUITS based on their bulk bone collagen C and N isotope ratio signatures. The sites, which occur in a range of environments, group into three distinct periods corresponding to the British ‘Late Upper Palaeolithic’, ‘Early Mesolithic’ and ‘Late Mesolithic’, respectively. The FRUITS models for three LUP sites dated to the Bølling–Allerød Interstadial suggest an emphasis on terrestrial (animal and plant) resources. The FRUITS predictions for the Early and Late Mesolithic suggest there was significant variability in diet between sites and occasionally between individuals from the same site. The Late Mesolithic coastal site of Cnoc Coig in western Scotland shows the expected emphasis on marine resources. In contrast, Early and Late Mesolithic coastal sites in South Wales show greater reliance on terrestrial food sources. In several cases, our model predictions differ from the interpretations of previous authors. A surprising outcome is the lack of evidence for the consumption of freshwater resources at sites near large rivers. We add the caveat that our model predictions are likely influenced by inadequate baseline δ13C and δ15N data for wild terrestrial plant and aquatic resources, in particular.
Published:
June 25, 2020
Title:
Keto-diet for Intubated Critical Care COVID-19 (KICC-COVID19)
Authors:
Johns Hopkins University
Abstract:
Coronavirus disease (COVID-2019) is a devastating viral illness that originated in Wuhan China in late 2019 and there are nearly 2 million confirmed cases. The mortality rate is approximately 5% of reported cases and over half of patients that require mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure. As the disease continues to spread, strategies for reducing duration of ventilator support in patients with COVID-19 could significantly reduce morbidity and mortality of these individuals and future patients requiring this severely limited life-saving resource. Methods to improve gas exchange and to reduce the inflammatory response in COVID-19 are desperately needed to save lives. The ketogenic diet is a high fat, low carbohydrate, adequate-protein diet that promotes metabolic ketosis (ketone body production) through hepatic metabolism of fatty acids. High fat, low carbohydrate diets have been shown to reduce duration of ventilator support and partial pressure carbon dioxide in patients with acute respiratory failure. In addition, metabolic ketosis reduces systemic inflammation. This mechanism could be leveraged to halt the cytokine storm characteristic of COVID-19 infection. The hypothesis of this study is that the administration of a ketogenic diet will improve gas exchange, reduce inflammation, and duration of mechanical ventilation. The plan is to enroll 15 intubated patients with COVID 19 infection and administer a 4:1 ketogenic formula during their intubation.
Published:
June 15, 2020
Title:
Quantifying the potential causes of Neanderthal extinction: Abrupt climate change versus competition and interbreeding
Authors:
Timmermann, Axel
Abstract:
Anatomically Modern Humans are the sole survivor of a group of hominins that inhabited our planet during the last ice age and that included, among others, Homo neanderthalensis, Homo denisova, and Homo erectus. Whether previous hominin extinctions were triggered by external factors, such as abrupt climate change, volcanic eruptions or whether competition and interbreeding played major roles in their demise still remains unresolved. Here I present a spatially resolved numerical hominin dispersal model (HDM) with empirically constrained key parameters that simulates the migration and interaction of Anatomically Modern Humans and Neanderthals in the rapidly varying climatic environment of the last ice age. The model simulations document that rapid temperature and vegetation changes associated with Dansgaard-Oeschger events were not major drivers of global Neanderthal extinction between 50 and 35 thousand years ago, but played important roles regionally, in particular over northern Europe. According to a series of parameter sensitivity experiments conducted with the HDM, a realistic extinction of the Neanderthal population can only be simulated when Homo sapiens is chosen to be considerably more effective in exploiting scarce glacial food resources as compared to Neanderthals.
Published:
June 15, 2020
Title:
Neanderthal lithic procurement and mobility patterns through a multi-level study in the Abric Romaní site (Capellades, Spain)
Authors:
Gómez de Soler, Bruno; Soto, María; Vallverdú, Josep; Vaquero, Manuel; Bargalló, Amèlia; Chacón, María Gema; Romagnoli, Francesca; Carbonell, Eudald
Abstract:
This study represents the first integrated approach to the lithic raw materials exploited by the Neanderthals that occupied the Abric Romaní site (NE Iberia). Focusing on chert as the most abundant raw material (>80% of the assemblages), we determine the potential procurement areas and the mobility patterns. Geo-archaeological surveys within a radius of 30 km from the site documented 32 primary locations with silicifications. The chert abundance ratio, a quantitative approach to the raw material availability, together with macroscopic and petrographic analyses, confirm the underexploitation of the local raw materials (
Published:
June 1, 2020
Title:
Spatial patterning of the archaeological and paleontological assemblage at Dmanisi, Georgia: An analysis of site formation and carnivore-hominin interaction in Block 2
Authors:
Coil, Reed; Tappen, Martha; Ferring, Reid; Bukhsianidze, Maia; Nioradze, Medea; Lordkipanidze, David
Abstract:
This study addresses the roles of biotic agents in site formation in the B1 strata of Block 2 at Dmanisi, Georgia, using theoretical and analogous frameworks for the interpretation of spatial behaviors of carnivores and hominins. For this study, stone material, faunal remains, and coprolites are analyzed to determine if any spatially distinct behaviors can be identified, located, and attributed to either hominins or carnivores. Faunal, stone, and coprolite assemblages are compared with each other, and lithic, taxonomic, and taphonomic subassemblages are compared with the overall distribution of their parent material. The spatial and taphonomic signatures suggest that hominin activity was only a small part of the contributing factors to site formation, whereas carnivores played a major role in the accumulation of bone.
Published:
June 1, 2020
Title:
The Middle to Upper Paleolithic transition in the southern Levant: New insights from the late Middle Paleolithic site of Far’ah II, Israel
Authors:
Goder-Goldberger, Mae; Crouvi, Onn; Caracuta, Valentina; Kolska Horwitz, Liora; Neumann, Frank H.; Porat, Naomi; Scott, Louis; Shavit, Roi; Jacoby-Glass, Yael; Zilberman, Tami; Boaretto, Elisabetta
Abstract:
Far’ah II is an open-air site in the north western Negev desert (Israel). Previous excavations in the 1970’s revealed a rich, in situ Middle Paleolithic (MP) assemblage composed of flint and limestone artifacts, animal bones and charcoal. Renewed excavation at the site were undertaken in 2017, to re-date it and provide a more accurate constrain to the sites’ age, as well as collect samples for paleoclimatic proxies. Our new Optically Stimulated Luminescence and 14C ages together with the stable oxygen isotope signature of the loess sediments, constrain the age of the upper archaeological horizon to
Published:
June 1, 2020
Title:
The palaeoecology of Klasies River, South Africa: An analysis of the large mammal remains from the 1984–1995 excavations of Cave 1 and 1A
Authors:
Reynard, Jerome P.; Wurz, Sarah
Abstract:
Given the large number of hominin and archaeological remains the site has yielded, Klasies River has contributed significantly to our understanding of how humans developed and behaved during the Middle Stone Age. Its extensive occupational sequence and the abundance of faunal remains recovered from the deposits also make it an important site in exploring palaeoenvironmental change during the Late Pleistocene. The mammalian fauna from the over 70 000 year long sequence at Klasies River possibly extending from MIS 6 to 3 are useful in positioning the evolution of complex human behaviour within an environmental context. Here, we use the large mammal fauna excavated in the 1980s and 1990s from Klasies River Cave 1 and 1A to test links between ungulate diversity and palaeoclimatic change in the south-eastern Cape of South Africa. Fauna from extended Pleistocene sequences in the south-eastern Cape are relatively rare and collections such as these are important proxies for assessing environmental change in this particular region. Our analysis indicates that the proportion of ungulate grazers, browsers and mixed-feeders shifts in accordance with glacial/interglacial fluctuations. We find significant correlations between grazer proportions and ungulate diversity through the sequence which may be linked to the effect of marine regressions on the landscape or shifting moisture availability. We compare the Klasies River data set with a selection of Middle Stone Age sites in the southern Cape. Our analysis suggests that primary productivity is greater along the eastern southern Cape than the western region. This study has broad implications for understanding the relationship between expanding grasslands and ungulate richness during the Late Pleistocene.
Published:
June 1, 2020
Title:
Molecular Choreography of Acute Exercise
Authors:
Contrepois, K.; Wu, S.; Moneghetti, K. J.; Hornburg, D.; Ahadi, S.; Tsai, M. S.; Metwally, A. A.; Wei, E.; Lee-McMullen, B.; Quijada, J. V.; Chen, S.; Christle, J. W.; Ellenberger, M.; Balliu, B.; Taylor, S.; Durrant, M. G.; Knowles, D. A.; Choudhry, H.; Ashland, M.; Bahmani, A.; Enslen, B.; Amsallem, M.; Kobayashi, Y.; Avina, M.; Perelman, D.; Schüssler-Fiorenza Rose, S. M.; Zhou, W.; Ashley, E. A.; Montgomery, S. B.; Chaib, H.; Haddad, F.; Snyder, M. P.
Abstract:
Acute physical activity leads to several changes in metabolic, cardiovascular, and immune pathways. Although studies have examined selected changes in these pathways, the system-wide molecular response to an acute bout of exercise has not been fully characterized. We performed longitudinal multi-omic profiling of plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells including metabolome, lipidome, immunome, proteome, and transcriptome from 36 well-characterized volunteers, before and after a controlled bout of symptom-limited exercise. Time-series analysis revealed thousands of molecular changes and an orchestrated choreography of biological processes involving energy metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, tissue repair, and growth factor response, as well as regulatory pathways. Most of these processes were dampened and some were reversed in insulin-resistant participants. Finally, we discovered biological pathways involved in cardiopulmonary exercise response and developed prediction models revealing potential resting blood-based biomarkers of peak oxygen consumption.
Published:
May 28, 2020
Title:
The Morbidity and Comorbidity of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Different Glucose Intolerance Strata in a Community-Based Chinese Population
Authors:
Zhang, Xiuying; Zhou, Xianghai; Han, Xueyao; Fu, Zuodi; Wang, Lianying; Li, Yufeng; Ji, Linong
Abstract:
Objective: To investigate the morbidity and comorbidity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and different glucose intolerance strata in a community-based population and to explore the association between glucose tolerance levels and NAFLD.Methods: A community-based cohort established for Pinggu Metabolic Disease Study in a suburb of Beijing, China, was established from September 2013 to July 2014 using a random sampling method. Participants were eligible if they were born in Pinggu and had been living there for at least 5 years within the age range of 26–76 years. A 75 grams oral glucose tolerance test was used to determine the strata of glucose tolerance. Unenhanced abdominal computed tomography scan was performed to identify NAFLD.Results: A total of 3122 subjects were included in this analysis. The prevalence of NAFLD was 22.68% (27.58% vs. 19.97% among men and women). The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) was 18.03% (20.83% vs. 16.22% among men and women). Up to 7.21% of residents had both T2D and NAFLD. 39.96% of diabetic patients and 28.77% of prediabetic patients combined with NAFLD. Compared with adults with normal glucose tolerance, the incidence of NAFLD in T2D patients was more than three times higher after adjusting for sex, age, body mass index (BMI), sedentary time, and dietary habit [odds ratio (OR) = 3.58, confidence interval (95% CI) 2.80–4.58, P
Published:
May 27, 2020
Title:
Macronutrients and Micronutrients in Spanish Adult Vegans (Mediterranean Population)
Authors:
A, García-Morant; E, Cortés-Castell; A, Palazón-Bru; N, Martínez-Amorós; Vf, Gil-Guillén; M, Rizo-Baeza
Abstract:
Spanish vegans had nutritional deficiencies compared to the general population and should therefore ensure their diet includes the necessary supplements.
Published:
May 14, 2020
Title:
Systemic Inflammatory Protein Profiles Distinguish Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Ulcerative Colitis, Irrespective of Inflammation or IBS-Like Symptoms
Authors:
Moraes, Luiza; Magnusson, Maria K; Mavroudis, Georgios; Polster, Annikka; Jonefjäll, Börje; Törnblom, Hans; Sundin, Johanna; Simrén, Magnus; Strid, Hans; Öhman, Lena
Abstract:
Inflammatory mechanisms of ulcerative colitis (UC) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may overlap or are part of different spectrums. However, potential links between inflammation and IBS-like symptoms in these patient groups are still unclear. The aim of this study was to determine if the systemic inflammatory protein (SIP) profiles differ between UC patients, with presence of inflammation or in remission with or without IBS-like symptoms, and IBS patients.Serum from patients with active UC (UCA), UC patients in remission with or without IBS-like symptoms (UCR + IBS, UCR-IBS), IBS patients (IBS), and healthy subjects (HS) was analyzed using the ProSeek Multiplex Inflammation kit, which detects 92 proteins.The exploratory cohort consisted of 166 subjects (UCA, n = 40; UCR-IBS, n = 45; UCR + IBS, n = 20; IBS, n = 40; HS, n = 21). Systemic inflammatory protein profiles separated UC from non-UC (HS and IBS) patients in multivariate analysis, revealing caspase 8, axin 1, sulfotransferase 1A1, and tumor necrosis factor superfamily member 14 as the variables most important to clustering. Although minor differences were detected between UCR + IBS and UCR-IBS, SIP profiles discriminated UCA from UCR, and interleukin (IL) 17C, IL17A, chemokine ligand 9, and transforming growth factor–α characterized active inflammation. SIP profiles weakly discriminated HS from IBS, although fibroblast growth factor 21 and IL6 serum levels were higher in IBS. Results were confirmed in a validation cohort (UCA, n = 15; UCR + IBS, n = 9; IBS, n = 14).SIP profiles distinguish UC patients from IBS patients, irrespective of inflammation or IBS-like symptoms, suggesting that inflammatory mechanisms of the diseases are part of different spectrums.
Published:
May 12, 2020
Title:
Genomic analysis of diet composition finds novel loci and associations with health and lifestyle
Authors:
Meddens, S. Fleur W.; de Vlaming, Ronald; Bowers, Peter; Burik, Casper A. P.; Linnér, Richard Karlsson; Lee, Chanwook; Okbay, Aysu; Turley, Patrick; Rietveld, Cornelius A.; Fontana, Mark Alan; Ghanbari, Mohsen; Imamura, Fumiaki; McMahon, George; van der Most, Peter J.; Voortman, Trudy; Wade, Kaitlin H.; Anderson, Emma L.; Braun, Kim V. E.; Emmett, Pauline M.; Esko, Tonũ; Gonzalez, Juan R.; Kiefte-de Jong, Jessica C.; Langenberg, Claudia; Luan, Jian’an; Muka, Taulant; Ring, Susan; Rivadeneira, Fernando; Snieder, Harold; van Rooij, Frank J. A.; Wolffenbuttel, Bruce H. R.; Smith, George Davey; Franco, Oscar H.; Forouhi, Nita G.; Ikram, M. Arfan; Uitterlinden, Andre G.; van Vliet-Ostaptchouk, Jana V.; Wareham, Nick J.; Cesarini, David; Harden, K. Paige; Lee, James J.; Benjamin, Daniel J.; Chow, Carson C.; Koellinger, Philipp D.
Abstract:
We conducted genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of relative intake from the macronutrients fat, protein, carbohydrates, and sugar in over 235,000 individuals of European ancestries. We identified 21 unique, approximately independent lead SNPs. Fourteen lead SNPs are uniquely associated with one macronutrient at genome-wide significance (P < 5 × 10−8), while five of the 21 lead SNPs reach suggestive significance (P
Published:
May 11, 2020
Title:
Initial Upper Palaeolithic Homo sapiens from Bacho Kiro Cave, Bulgaria
Authors:
Hublin, Jean-Jacques; Sirakov, Nikolay; Aldeias, Vera; Bailey, Shara; Bard, Edouard; Delvigne, Vincent; Endarova, Elena; Fagault, Yoann; Fewlass, Helen; Hajdinjak, Mateja; Kromer, Bernd; Krumov, Ivaylo; Marreiros, João; Martisius, Naomi L.; Paskulin, Lindsey; Sinet-Mathiot, Virginie; Meyer, Matthias; Pääbo, Svante; Popov, Vasil; Rezek, Zeljko; Sirakova, Svoboda; Skinner, Matthew M.; Smith, Geoff M.; Spasov, Rosen; Talamo, Sahra; Tuna, Thibaut; Wacker, Lukas; Welker, Frido; Wilcke, Arndt; Zahariev, Nikolay; McPherron, Shannon P.; Tsanova, Tsenka
Abstract:
The Middle to Upper Palaeolithic transition in Europe witnessed the replacement and partial absorption of local Neanderthal populations by Homo sapiens populations of African origin1. However, this process probably varied across regions and its details remain largely unknown. In particular, the duration of chronological overlap between the two groups is much debated, as are the implications of this overlap for the nature of the biological and cultural interactions between Neanderthals and H. sapiens. Here we report the discovery and direct dating of human remains found in association with Initial Upper Palaeolithic artefacts2, from excavations at Bacho Kiro Cave (Bulgaria). Morphological analysis of a tooth and mitochondrial DNA from several hominin bone fragments, identified through proteomic screening, assign these finds to H. sapiens and link the expansion of Initial Upper Palaeolithic technologies with the spread of H. sapiens into the mid-latitudes of Eurasia before 45 thousand years ago3. The excavations yielded a wealth of bone artefacts, including pendants manufactured from cave bear teeth that are reminiscent of those later produced by the last Neanderthals of western Europe4–6. These finds are consistent with models based on the arrival of multiple waves of H. sapiens into Europe coming into contact with declining Neanderthal populations7,8.
Published:
May 11, 2020
Title:
Describing a drowned Pleistocene ecosystem: Last Glacial Maximum vegetation reconstruction of the Palaeo-Agulhas Plain
Authors:
Cowling, Richard M.; Potts, Alastair J.; Franklin, Janet; Midgley, Guy F.; Engelbrecht, Francois; Marean, Curtis W.
Abstract:
Pleistocene ecosystems provided the stage for modern human emergence. Terrestrial vegetation communities structure resources for human foragers, providing plant food, wood for fuel and tools, and fibre, as well as habitat for animal prey. The Pleistocene distribution of vegetation communities is seldom considered as a key constraint on hunter-gatherers foraging across the landscape. We used modern vegetation patterns along the Cape south coast to develop a rule-based model of the expected vegetation for a given soil type, precipitation regime and fire regime. We then applied this ruleset to present-day environmental conditions to test and validate the model. We also scaled the climate-vegetation ruleset to account for likely effects of low atmospheric [CO2] and lower temperature in the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) on plant water use efficiency. The model was then used to postdict vegetation patterns for the LGM using palaeo-landscape reconstruction of geological substrata and soils, and palaeoclimate simulations. This palaeoscape comprised the extensive Palaeo-Agulhas Plain (PAP), which was exposed at lower sea levels during glacial periods. Our model predicts that the PAP was dominated by limestone fynbos in its southern part, and by shale grassland with cappings of dune fynbos-thicket mosaic in the north. Shale and sandstone fynbos were restricted to the western zone, which experienced a stronger winter rainfall regime during the LGM than at present. The entire PAP was dissected by broad and shallow floodplains supporting a mosaic of woodland and grassland on fertile, alluvial soils. This savanna-like vegetation, as well as shale grassland, are poorly represented in the modern landscape, and would have been capable of supporting the diverse megafauna typical of glacial periods. These Pleistocene periods would have presented a very different resource landscape for early modern human hunter-gatherers than the interglacial landscape such as is found in the Cape coastal lowlands today.
Published:
May 1, 2020
Title:
Producing high-oleic acid beef and the impact of ground beef consumption on risk factors for cardiovascular disease: A review
Authors:
Smith, Stephen B.; Lunt, David K.; Smith, Dana R.; Walzem, Rosemary L.
Abstract:
This review summarizes the effects of high-oleic acid oil and high-oleic acid ground beef interventions on risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in human trials, and also summarizes studies designed to increase the amount of oleic acid (18:1n-9) in beef. In three human trials, high-oleic acid oils and high-oleic acid ground beef increased plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol over baseline values or over high-carbohydrate diets. Neither low-oleic acid nor high-oleic acid ground beef increased risk factors for CVD, confirming earlier studies that used high-oleic acid oils. High-oleic acid beef can be obtained from cattle fed a corn-based finishing diet to USDA Grade of USDA Choice or greater; from beef from cattle with Japanese genetics; and from the brisket. Beef from grass-fed cattle contains more n-3 fatty acids than beef from conventionally-fed cattle, but also contains greater amounts of saturated and trans-fatty acids.
Published:
May 1, 2020
Title:
Self-initiated lifestyle interventions lead to potential insight into an effective, alternative, non-surgical therapy for mitochondrial disease associated multiple symmetric lipomatosis
Authors:
Nadeau, Elizabeth; Mezei, Michelle M.; Cresswell, Mark; Zhao, Sida; Bosdet, Taryn; Sin, Don D.; Guenette, Jordan A.; Dupuis, Isabelle; Allin, Emily; Clarke, David C.; Mattman, Andre
Abstract:
Background A 56-year-old female, diagnosed as a carrier of the mitochondrial DNA mutation (MTTK c.8344A > G) associated with the MERRF (myoclonic epilepsy with ragged red fibers) syndrome, presented with a relatively uncommon but well-known phenotypic manifestation: severe multiple symmetric lipomatosis (MSL). After surgical resection of three kilograms of upper mid-back lipomatous tissue, the patient experienced a significant decline in her functional capacity and quality of life, which ultimately resulted in her placement on long-term disability. Methods Dissatisfied with the available treatment options centered on additional resection surgeries, given the high probability of lipoma regrowth, the patient independently researched and applied alternative therapies that centred on a carbohydrate-restricted diet and a supervised exercise program. Results The cumulative effect of her lifestyle interventions resulted in the reversal of her MSL and her previously low quality of life. She met all her personal goals by the one-year mark, including reduced size of the residual post-surgical lipomas, markedly enhanced exercise tolerance, and return to work. She continues to maintain her interventions and to experience positive outcomes at the two-year mark. Interpretation This case report documents the timing and nature of lifestyle interventions in relation to the reversal in growth pattern of her previously expanding and debilitating lipomas. The profound nature of the apparent benefit on lipoma growth demonstrates the intervention’s potential as a new feasible non-surgical therapy for mitochondrial-disease-associated MSL, and justifies its systematic study. We also describe how this case has inspired the care team to re-examine its approach to involved patients.
Published:
May 1, 2020
Title:
The uneven weight distribution between predators and prey: Comparing gut fill between terrestrial herbivores and carnivores
Authors:
De Cuyper, Annelies; Meloro, Carlo; Abraham, Andrew J.; Müller, Dennis W. H.; Codron, Daryl; Janssens, Geert P. J.; Clauss, Marcus
Abstract:
The general observation that secondary consumers ingest highly digestible food and have simple short guts and small abdominal cavities intuitively results in the assumption that mammalian carnivores carry less digesta in their gut compared to herbivores. Due to logistic constraints, this assumption has not been tested quantitatively so far. In this contribution, we estimated the dry matter gut contents (DMC) for 25 species of the order Carnivora (including two strictly herbivorous ones, the giant and the red panda) using the physical ‘Occupancy Principle’, based on a literature data collection on dry matter intake (DMI), apparent dry matter digestibility (aD DM) and retention time (RT), and compared the results to an existing collection for herbivores. Scaling exponents with body mass (BM) for both carnivores and herbivores were in the same range with DMI ~ BM0.75; aD DM ~ BM0; RT ~ BM0.11 and DMC ~ BM0.88. The trophic level (carnivore vs herbivore) significantly affected all digestive physiology parameters except for RT. Numerically, the carnivore DMI level reached 77%, the RT 32% and DMC only 29% of the corresponding herbivore values, whereas the herbivore aD DM only reached 82% of that of carnivores. Thus, we quantitatively show that carnivores carry less inert mass or gut content compared to herbivores, which putatively benefits them in predator-prey interactions and might have contributed to the evolution towards unguligradism in herbivores. As expected, the two panda species appeared as outliers in the dataset with low aD DM and RT for a herbivore but extremely high DMI values, resulting in DMC in the lower part of the herbivore range. Whereas the difference in DMI and DMC scaling in herbivores might allow larger herbivores to compensate for lower diet quality by ingesting more, this difference may allow larger carnivores not to go for less digestible prey parts, but mainly to increase meal intervals, i.e. not having to hunt on a daily basis.
Published:
May 1, 2020
Title:
Coalescing traditions—Coalescing people: Community formation in Pannonia after the decline of the Roman Empire
Authors:
Knipper, Corina; Koncz, István; Ódor, János Gábor; Mende, Balázs Gusztáv; Rácz, Zsófia; Kraus, Sandra; Gyseghem, Robin van; Friedrich, Ronny; Vida, Tivadar
Abstract:
The decline of the Roman rule caused significant political instability and led to the emergence of various ‘Barbarian’ powers. While the names of the involved groups appeared in written sources, it is largely unknown how these changes affected the daily lives of the people during the 5th century AD. Did late Roman traditions persist, did new customs emerge, and did both amalgamate into new cultural expressions? A prime area to investigate these population and settlement historical changes is the Carpathian Basin (Hungary). Particularly, we studied archaeological and anthropological evidence, as well as radiogenic and stable isotope ratios of strontium, carbon, and nitrogen of human remains from 96 graves at the cemetery of Mözs-Icsei dűlő. Integrated data analysis suggests that most members of the founder generation at the site exhibited burial practises of late Antique traditions, even though they were heterogeneous regarding their places of origin and dietary habits. Furthermore, the isotope data disclosed a nonlocal group of people with similar dietary habits. According to the archaeological evidence, they joined the community a few decades after the founder generation and followed mainly foreign traditions with artificial skull modification as their most prominent characteristic. Moreover, individuals with modified skulls and late Antique grave attributes attest to deliberate cultural amalgamation, whereas burials of largely different isotope ratios underline the recipient habitus of the community. The integration of archaeological and bioarchaeological information at the individual level discloses the complex coalescence of people and traditions during the 5th century.
Published:
April 29, 2020
Title:
Partial impairment of insulin receptor expression mimics fasting to prevent diet-induced fatty liver disease
Authors:
Merry, Troy L.; Hedges, Chris P.; Masson, Stewart W.; Laube, Beate; Pöhlmann, Doris; Wueest, Stephan; Walsh, Michael E.; Arnold, Myrtha; Langhans, Wolfgang; Konrad, Daniel; Zarse, Kim; Ristow, Michael
Abstract:
Excessive insulin signaling through the insulin receptor (IR) may play a role in the pathogenesis of diet-induced metabolic disease, including obesity and type 2 diabetes. Here we investigate whether heterozygous impairment of insulin receptor (IR) expression limited to peripheral, i.e. non-CNS, tissues of adult mice impacts the development of high-fat diet-induced metabolic deterioration. While exhibiting some features of insulin resistance, PerIRKO+/− mice display a hepatic energy deficit accompanied by induction of energy-sensing AMPK, mitochondrial biogenesis, PPARα, unexpectedly leading to protection from, and reversal of hepatic lipid accumulation (steatosis hepatis, NAFLD). Consistently, and unlike in control mice, the PPARα activator fenofibrate fails to further affect hepatic lipid accumulation in PerIRKO+/− mice. Taken together, and opposing previously established diabetogenic features of insulin resistance, incomplete impairment of insulin signaling may mimic central aspects of calorie restriction to limit hepatic lipid accumulation during conditions of metabolic stress.
Published:
April 29, 2020
Title:
Prevalence and psychopathology of vegetarians and vegans – Results from a representative survey in Germany
Authors:
Paslakis, Georgios; Richardson, Candice; Nöhre, Mariel; Brähler, Elmar; Holzapfel, Christina; Hilbert, Anja; de Zwaan, Martina
Abstract:
The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of, and attitudes toward, vegetarianism and veganism. We also assessed the association between vegetarianism/veganism and eating disorder, depressive, and somatic symptoms. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey in adults in Germany that was representative in terms of age, gender, and educational level was carried out. Data from 2449 adults (53.5% females) were included. Mean age was 49.6 (SD 17.1) years. A total of 5.4% of participants reported following a vegetarian or vegan diet. While the majority of participants agreed that vegetarian diets are healthy and harmless (56.1%), only 34.8% believed this to be true of vegan diets. The majority of participants also believed that a vegetarian (58.7%) or vegan (74.7%) diet can lead to nutritional deficiency. Female gender, younger age, higher education, lower body mass index (BMI), and higher depressive and eating disorder symptoms were found to be associated with vegetarianism/veganism. We did not find increased physical complaints in the group of vegetarians/vegans. Our results point toward a moderate prevalence of vegetarianism/veganism among the general population. Our findings suggest that health care professionals should keep eating disorder pathology, affective status in mind when dealing with individuals who choose a vegetarian/vegan dietary pattern.
Published:
April 22, 2020
Title:
Eurasian Ice Sheet collapse was a major source of Meltwater Pulse 1A 14,600 years ago
Authors:
Brendryen, Jo; Haflidason, Haflidi; Yokoyama, Yusuke; Haaga, Kristian Agasøster; Hannisdal, Bjarte
Abstract:
Marine-based sections of the Eurasian Ice Sheet collapsed rapidly during a warming event 14,600 years ago and contributed to the Meltwater Pulse 1A event, according to a recalibrated age model for sediments from the Norwegian Sea.
Published:
April 20, 2020
Title:
Hyperlipid: Double Bond Index and longevity in humans
Authors:
Peter
Abstract:
Published:
April 20, 2020
Title:
Meat and mental health: a systematic review of meat abstention and depression, anxiety, and related phenomena
Authors:
Dobersek, Urska; Wy, Gabrielle; Adkins, Joshua; Altmeyer, Sydney; Krout, Kaitlin; Lavie, Carl J.; Archer, Edward
Abstract:
Objective: To examine the relation between the consumption or avoidance of meat and psychological health and well-being.Methods: A systematic search of online databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus, Medline, and Cochrane Library) was conducted for primary research examining psychological health in meat-consumers and meat-abstainers. Inclusion criteria were the provision of a clear distinction between meat-consumers and meat-abstainers, and data on factors related to psychological health. Studies examining meat consumption as a continuous or multi-level variable were excluded. Summary data were compiled, and qualitative analyses of methodologic rigor were conducted. The main outcome was the disparity in the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and related conditions in meat-consumers versus meat-abstainers. Secondary outcomes included mood and self-harm behaviors.Results: Eighteen studies met the inclusion/exclusion criteria; representing 160,257 participants (85,843 females and 73,232 males) with 149,559 meat-consumers and 8584 meat-abstainers (11 to 96 years) from multiple geographic regions. Analysis of methodologic rigor revealed that the studies ranged from low to severe risk of bias with high to very low confidence in results. Eleven of the 18 studies demonstrated that meat-abstention was associated with poorer psychological health, four studies were equivocal, and three showed that meat-abstainers had better outcomes. The most rigorous studies demonstrated that the prevalence or risk of depression and/or anxiety were significantly greater in participants who avoided meat consumption.Conclusion: Studies examining the relation between the consumption or avoidance of meat and psychological health varied substantially in methodologic rigor, validity of interpretation, and confidence in results. The majority of studies, and especially the higher quality studies, showed that those who avoided meat consumption had significantly higher rates or risk of depression, anxiety, and/or self-harm behaviors. There was mixed evidence for temporal relations, but study designs and a lack of rigor precluded inferences of causal relations. Our study does not support meat avoidance as a strategy to benefit psychological health.
Published:
April 20, 2020
Title:
Meat and mental health: a systematic review of meat abstention and depression, anxiety, and related phenomena
Authors:
Dobersek, Urska; Wy, Gabrielle; Adkins, Joshua; Altmeyer, Sydney; Krout, Kaitlin; Lavie, Carl J.; Archer, Edward
Abstract:
Objective: To examine the relation between the consumption or avoidance of meat and psychological health and well-being.Methods: A systematic search of online databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus, Medline, and Cochrane Library) was conducted for primary research examining psychological health in meat-consumers and meat-abstainers. Inclusion criteria were the provision of a clear distinction between meat-consumers and meat-abstainers, and data on factors related to psychological health. Studies examining meat consumption as a continuous or multi-level variable were excluded. Summary data were compiled, and qualitative analyses of methodologic rigor were conducted. The main outcome was the disparity in the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and related conditions in meat-consumers versus meat-abstainers. Secondary outcomes included mood and self-harm behaviors.Results: Eighteen studies met the inclusion/exclusion criteria; representing 160,257 participants (85,843 females and 73,232 males) with 149,559 meat-consumers and 8584 meat-abstainers (11 to 96 years) from multiple geographic regions. Analysis of methodologic rigor revealed that the studies ranged from low to severe risk of bias with high to very low confidence in results. Eleven of the 18 studies demonstrated that meat-abstention was associated with poorer psychological health, four studies were equivocal, and three showed that meat-abstainers had better outcomes. The most rigorous studies demonstrated that the prevalence or risk of depression and/or anxiety were significantly greater in participants who avoided meat consumption.Conclusion: Studies examining the relation between the consumption or avoidance of meat and psychological health varied substantially in methodologic rigor, validity of interpretation, and confidence in results. The majority of studies, and especially the higher quality studies, showed that those who avoided meat consumption had significantly higher rates or risk of depression, anxiety, and/or self-harm behaviors. There was mixed evidence for temporal relations, but study designs and a lack of rigor precluded inferences of causal relations. Our study does not support meat avoidance as a strategy to benefit psychological health.
Published:
April 20, 2020
Title:
Meat and mental health: a systematic review of meat abstention and depression, anxiety, and related phenomena
Authors:
Dobersek, Urska; Wy, Gabrielle; Adkins, Joshua; Altmeyer, Sydney; Krout, Kaitlin; Lavie, Carl J.; Archer, Edward
Abstract:
Objective: To examine the relation between the consumption or avoidance of meat and psychological health and well-being.Methods: A systematic search of online databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus, Medline, and Cochrane Library) was conducted for primary research examining psychological health in meat-consumers and meat-abstainers. Inclusion criteria were the provision of a clear distinction between meat-consumers and meat-abstainers, and data on factors related to psychological health. Studies examining meat consumption as a continuous or multi-level variable were excluded. Summary data were compiled, and qualitative analyses of methodologic rigor were conducted. The main outcome was the disparity in the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and related conditions in meat-consumers versus meat-abstainers. Secondary outcomes included mood and self-harm behaviors.Results: Eighteen studies met the inclusion/exclusion criteria; representing 160,257 participants (85,843 females and 73,232 males) with 149,559 meat-consumers and 8584 meat-abstainers (11 to 96 years) from multiple geographic regions. Analysis of methodologic rigor revealed that the studies ranged from low to severe risk of bias with high to very low confidence in results. Eleven of the 18 studies demonstrated that meat-abstention was associated with poorer psychological health, four studies were equivocal, and three showed that meat-abstainers had better outcomes. The most rigorous studies demonstrated that the prevalence or risk of depression and/or anxiety were significantly greater in participants who avoided meat consumption.Conclusion: Studies examining the relation between the consumption or avoidance of meat and psychological health varied substantially in methodologic rigor, validity of interpretation, and confidence in results. The majority of studies, and especially the higher quality studies, showed that those who avoided meat consumption had significantly higher rates or risk of depression, anxiety, and/or self-harm behaviors. There was mixed evidence for temporal relations, but study designs and a lack of rigor precluded inferences of causal relations. Our study does not support meat avoidance as a strategy to benefit psychological health.
Published:
April 20, 2020
Title:
Primate auditory prototype in the evolution of the arcuate fasciculus
Authors:
Balezeau, Fabien; Wilson, Benjamin; Gallardo, Guillermo; Dick, Fred; Hopkins, William; Anwander, Alfred; Friederici, Angela D.; Griffiths, Timothy D.; Petkov, Christopher I.
Abstract:
Balezeau et al. find a primate homolog of the human language pathway within the auditory system of monkeys and apes. This discovery pushes back the human language pathway’s origin by about 20 million years and illuminates its remarkable evolutionary transformation.
Published:
April 20, 2020
Title:
Before the Carnivore Diet? Rheo H. Blair's Meat and Water Diet (1960s)
Authors:
Heffernan, Conor
Abstract:
The Carnivore Diet – the practice of solely consuming meat products – has grown exponentially in the past few years. As someone who has experimentedContinue reading
Published:
April 17, 2020
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